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Osteonecrosis of the jaws produced by sunitinib: a systematic review
C Vallina1, L Ramírez, J Torres
1Departamento de Especialidades Clínicas Odontológicas, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal S/N 28040-Madrid, Spain, rmlopezp@ucm.es.
Background:
Tyrosine kinase receptor family is involved in tumor growth, pathological angiogenesis and the progression (metastasis) of cancer. Sunitinib (Sutent®) inhibits members of the tyrosine kinase receptor family affecting the induction of angiogenesis and tumor progression. It is not clear if sunitinib increases the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review about ONJ related to sunitinib, describing existing cases and possible associated risk factors.
Material And Methods:
The PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were searched without date restriction up to September 2018. We included prospective and retrospective observational studies, cross-sectional studies, clinical cases and series of cases, involving only human subjects. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and Newcastle-Ottawa tools.
Results:
A total of 13 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria of which 7 were clinical cases, 5 case series and a retrospective study. All the articles were published between 2009 and 2018. Of the 102 patients treated with sunitinib analyzed in this study, 58 developed ONJ, being or having been treated with sunitinib and bisphosphonates or exclusively with sunitinib.
Conclusions:
In this systematic review, we found an increase of ONJ in patients who are medicated with other drugs different than bisphosphonates and denosumab. It is necessary that dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons as well as oncologists know the risk of ONJ that these antiresorptive drugs could have. There is a need to continue researching in this field with the aim of an increasing knowledge in this area and creating an adequate protocol of action for this population.
Insights
Sunitinib may increase the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ), particularly when used with other medications. Further research is needed to establish clear protocols for managing this side effect in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tyrosine kinase receptors are crucial in cancer progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in cancer therapy.
- The association between sunitinib and osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on ONJ in patients treated with sunitinib.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with sunitinib-induced ONJ.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library up to September 2018.
- Included studies were observational, cross-sectional, and case reports/series involving human subjects.
- Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute and Newcastle-Ottawa tools.
Main Results:
- 13 studies (7 case reports, 5 case series, 1 retrospective study) published between 2009-2018 were included.
- Out of 102 patients treated with sunitinib, 58 developed ONJ.
- ONJ occurred in patients treated with sunitinib alone or in combination with bisphosphonates or other antiresorptive drugs.
Conclusions:
- Sunitinib use is associated with an increased risk of ONJ, even in patients not taking bisphosphonates or denosumab.
- Healthcare professionals (dentists, surgeons, oncologists) must be aware of this ONJ risk.
- Further research is essential to enhance understanding and develop management protocols for sunitinib-related ONJ.
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